Do I need a passport?

Yes. A valid passport is imperative in order to participate!  Check the expiration date on your passport. Your passport must have three to six months validity left from your date of travel to be able to enter France.

European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)

The rules of travel to most European countries have changed. Starting in the first half of 2025, people from over 60 visa-exempt countries are required to have a travel authorization to enter 30 European countries for a short stay. ETIAS is currently not in operation and no applications are collected at this point.   It is linked to a traveler’s passport. It is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorization. With a valid ETIAS travel authorization, you can enter the territory of these European countries as often as you want for short-term stays – normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Is there a minimum/maximum number of guests?

Yes. We will need a minimum of 20 guests in order to book the trip. We will notify all guests when the minimum has been reached. We can take a maximum of about 30 guests.

Are there any additional requirements?

Yes. A signed “Event Release and Indemnity Agreement” and informational form are required by all persons participating.

Do I need trip insurance?

Trip insurance is highly recommended. The payment will be non-refundable after 50% is paid . We recommend that you look into travel insurance as early as possible – some companies may only allow you to insure your trip up to ten days past booking! Previous travelers have recommended this site for  insurance: https://travel.usnews.com/features/the-best-travel-insurance-companies

What are our transportation accommodations?

Our luxury bus has a bathroom, A/C and space to hang jackets, etc., so everyone should be quite comfortable. We will have an expert guide and bus driver form the area on each trip.

Accommodations

Don’t forget electric converters for personal blow dryers/hair straightener, battery chargers, and razors.  Please let us know bedding preferences (king/queen or singles).

Are meals included?

For all trips, a complete breakfast will be provided each morning at the hotel. Various items (American and European style) will be available. Our lunches will be pretty extensive, so we suggest a “light” breakfast. The majority of the dinners will be provided at the hotel, but you will have a couple of free nights. Dinner is usually around 7:00 – 8:00, depending on the day’s itinerary.

What time do we leave every day? Will there be any free time?

Every evening, we will review the next day’s itinerary; we anticipate departure times between 8:00 and 9:00 each day.  We have full days planned so we ask everyone to be ready 15 minutes prior to departure time.   We try to allow “free time” on various days for any areas/sites you are personally  interested in but are not part of the tour. The local guide and Lil are happy to assist with these requests.

What should I pack to wear?

The bus will have a compartment to hang and store a change of clothes, shoes, etc so you are able to “switch out” before/after certain lunches. Good walking shoes are recommended for most days.

The South of France is normally in the 80’s and sunny! Make sure you pack your sunscreen and mosquito spray.

Suggested attire for some of the more elegant restaurants: jacket/slacks/blouse/dress/skirt.

Alsace is lovely and pleasant during the summer months. The average temperature is normally in the mid-70s with always a chance of rain. We suggest bringing a light rain jacket or compact umbrella just in case.

Suggested attire for the more elegant restaurants: jacket/slacks/blouse/dress/skirt.

What should I expect when I first arrive at my destination?

Arrival for both destinations: The bus will be waiting to take us to the hotel once everyone has arrived! (Flight arrival time suggested will ensure time to pass thru immigration/customs and get your luggage and meet the group, load the bus and depart on time).

South of France: Arrive on Wednesday, June 25th to Nice (NCE) airport. The bus will be departing from the airport at approximately 1:00pm (exact time will be confirmed), so we ask you to plan your arrival time no later than 12:00pm. Detailed meeting spot will be discussed closer to departure!

Alsace: Arrive on Thursday, July 10th at Frankfurt (FRA), Germany airport. The bus will be departing from the airport at approximately 1:00pm (exact time will be confirmed), so we ask you to plan your arrival time for no later than 11:00am. Detailed meeting spot will be discussed closer to departure.

When should I schedule my departure?

South of France: Departure on Thursday, July 3^rd from Nice (NCE) airport. Departure should be arranged for no earlier than 11:00am.

Alsace: Departure on Friday, July 18^th from Frankfurt airport. Departure should be arranged no earlier than 1:00pm.

What should I do if I have food allergies and/or dietary restrictions?

Please advise if you are allergic or cannot eat any specific type of food; we will do our best to inform the restaurants and allow them to organize substitutions. (This can be noted on the informational form)

How do I reserve my spot on one of these exciting adventures?

To confirm your space, a $1000 per person non-refundable deposit (unless cancelled by tour operator). The first 50% payment is due in February, and the second payment is due in May. Checks can be made out to Burke Manor Inn.   Credit cards are acceptable with a 3% fee.

Will there be any informational sessions prior to the trip?

We will have a little “get together” about 2-4 weeks before our departure to answer any additional questions and for everyone to meet their fellow travelers.  *Zoom will be set up for those who are unable to attend!*

Is there anything I’m missing?

• Please allow leeway for flights. Unfortunately, you never know what will happen when traveling. Try to give yourself enough time to be flexible, so that you can easily collect your luggage, pass through immigration and customs, and eat and relax if need be!
• The trip is “all inclusive” except for a few meals on your own, but we do recommend having a “few Euros” just in case you want to make a little purchase, where credit cards aren’t accepted (ie: chocolate croissant 😊) Your debit card or credit card will get you the best foreign currency exchange rate. Check to see if your bank has partnerships with European banks, because you may be able to withdraw Euros from an ATM with minimal transaction fees. 
• Service charges (tips) in restaurants are all included in the package price. We are always asked about “tipping”.  The guide and bus driver are well compensated, but if you want to tip them, of course you can! In the past we have been asked for envelopes, so we will provide them at the end of the trip for those who would like to use them.
• If you plan on attending more than one trip, we will be more than happy to assist with places to see, things to do, and recommendations for how to get from one place to another!